what's on: april - june

Sunday, 1 April: EASTERHere are a few activities to keep the kids busy over the long weekend

30 March to 15 April: PâKOMUZéNumerous activities for families and their children, some of which are free, will be held at around 40 different museums throughout Vaud during the Easter holidays.

ATELIER ENCODE CODING WORKSHOPSOne new camp that has recently caught our attention is Atelier ENCODE. This practical workshop enables children from 10+ to discover coding using real-world programming languages such as Javascript and HTML / CSS. The children will create their own calculator, or program an interactive user interface for a simplified drawing program, or making a labyrinth and program a turtle to navigate it! Website in French but English is spoken. Bellevue, GE and Gimel, VD

BRICKS 4 KIDZBricks 4 Kidz camps provide a fresh and fun way for kids aged 4 to 13 to spend their school break. Guided by experienced teachers working on themes like Amusement Parks, Space and Robotics, children use LEGO® Bricks to build specially-designed Bricks 4 Kidz models, play LEGO® games and explore the world of engineering, architecture and animated movie-making. Click here to read our article and find out about the free place for girls that is being offered. Geneva and Saint Sulpice, VD

1 April: Tulip Festival, Morges, Switzerland - The Tulip Festival begins when the tulips begin to bloom - anywhere from late March to mid-April - and lasts six weeks, presenting 150,000 tulips of 250 varieties in Parc de l'Indépendance in Morges. There are special events going on during this period - check the website for details. There is no admission fee.​April: Swiss Cow Fights. As soon as winter takes its leave cow-fighting fever takes a hold on Valais. Released from their stalls, the cows are ready to face any challengers in order to establish the hierarchy within the herd. Regional elimination heats culminate in the crowning of the queen at the national final in Aproz in May.

6 & 7 April: Fête du Chocolat - Chocolate FestivalThis year will be the 10th edition of Versoix's Chocolate Festival. It's a great day out and you will see some spectacular works of chocolate art as well as taste some great combinations. You might even find some new chocolates that become your favorite! Bring cash. Not only will you be able to taste and buy but there are plenty of food stands selling lunch items. Parking is limited - it's best to arrive by train or bus.

12 - 21 April: Visions du Réel film fest, Nyon. The 48th edition features 180 films from 39 countries. Visions du Réel is one of the only Swiss film festivals to present a majority of its films as world or international premieres. It also offers the unique opportunity to meet the film directors, which are present at each first screening of the films. The Festival is also a spring board for new talent. The prestigious Oscars and the European Film Awards academies have opened their doors to films screened at Visions du Réel. Alongside a very varied programme, the Festival also offers masterclasses, debates with film directors, meetings with professionals and many cultural mediation activities.

20 - 22 April: Library in English bi-annual book sale. Rue Monthod, Geneva.Search through thousands of second-hand English-language books - adult, junior, fiction and non-fiction. We also have some children's books in French and other languages and a selection of CDs, DVDs and games. Our tea-room is always a popular feature of the sale.

25 - 28 April: Geneva International Book and Press FairA highly popular fair dedicated to the pleasure of reading. Every year, the International Book and Press Fair brings together vast communication resources with books, magazines and photography exhibits.​Sunday, 25 April: Matagasse Carinval. The word “matagasse” comes from the Piedmont dialect “mataggazza” which means “crazy magpie”. Every two years Thonon-les-Bains invites revelers for a day of fun and costumes with giant magpie puppets. Nearly thirty groups on foot, in tanks and music go through the town to the beat of marching bands.​25 - 30 April: Arvinis Wine Fair. Piedmont is the Guest of Honor of this year’s Arvinis Wine Fair, which will also showcase local wines. It covers 60 000 hectares, from south of Turin to south-west of Milan. In Morges. While you're there stop by the Parc de l'Independence to see if the Tulips are blooming.

24 - 29 April: Tour de Romandie. Cycling race for the Swiss Romande (french-speaking area). Begins in Lausanne and goes through Chaux-de- Fonds, Moutier,Charmey Bulle/Sion and ends in Crans-Montana. See daily program on their website.

29 April: Le Defi de Fort l'EcluseA course of 16km, running, climbing, and thoroughly invigorating... crossing the charming villages of Léaz and Longeray. A breathtaking finale with the ascent of the 917 steps carved from the rock inside the Fort. Sign-ups are limited to 500 participants. As of 20 March there were 394 places left.

MAY highlights

1 – May Day

5 - 14 May: Carouge Spring Festival. The 'Printemps Carougeois' is one of the most exciting and popular cultural events in Geneva! With more shows, exhibitions and concerts then you can keep track of, this is one not to miss. Every year the theme of the event is selected and linked in with current news that has touched the area from near or afar. This year's theme is

Sunday, 7 May: Soap Box Derby and Youth Festival (Caisses a Savon et Fête de la jeuness)A go-kart race has been added to the youth festival. It is a lot of fun to see the hand-made vehicles try to get around the tight corner near the Migros! Don't miss it, in Versoix starting at 10am.

14 & 15 May: Caves Ouvertes Vaud. Open House for the Wineries in the Canton of Vaud. For only 15 CHF you can tour the canton of Vaud via the free mini-train and discover some of the best wines in Switzerland. A commemorative wine glass will be your ticket to each location. A day out for everyone. There will be foodstuffs available around each winery and village to entice you to tap into the local scene!

GO RUN FOR FUN16 May 2018 - Stade Pierre de Coubertin de Vidy, Lausanne17 May 2018 - Château de Rolle22 May 2018 - Stade de Vessy, GenevaRaces are held over a distance of around 1.5 km. This non-competitive run is open to all kids age 5-10, intended to promote sports in a context of fun and joy. Every single child is encouraged to take part regardless of their ability. Click on the dates above for links to the information.

17-21 May: LA FOLIA FESTIVALA festival launched by a team of enthusiasts in 2001. A must-attend date in the agenda of lovers of ancient music… and conviviality! All these concerts are held in the beautiful church of Rougemont, Vaud.

19-20 May: FREDDY FOR A DAYThis annual initiative is a celebration of the life of Freddie Mercury. It brings people together to dress as the iconic singer of Queen to raise awareness and much needed funds to support the work of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity focusing on education and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In Montreux, Switzerland.

19 & 20 May: Caves Ouvertes Vaud. Open House for the Wineries in the Canton of Vaud. For only 15 CHF you can tour the canton of Vaud via the free mini-train and discover some of the best wines in Switzerland. A commemorative wine glass will be your ticket to each location. A day out for everyone. There will be foodstuffs available around each winery and village to entice you to tap into the local scene!

19 May: Nuit des Bains. The Quartier des Bains Association, 15 galleries and 4 cultural institutions, aims to encourage and promote contemporary art in the Quartier des Bains area in Geneva, and organizes three Nuits des Bains per year from 6 to 9 pm.​

19 - 21 May: Miam Festival This festival reunites some 50 specialists in the art of taste: local restaurateurs, caterers, food trucks, artisans, and producers will take part during the 3 day festival in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Sunday, 20 May: WALK THE TALK: THE HEALTH FOR ALL CHALLENGEAs part of celebrations of the World Health Organization’s 70th anniversary in 2018, WHO is staging a major health promotion event in Geneva on the eve of the 71st World Health Assembly. The free walk/run event will be open to people of all ages and abilities and be held over three distances. ​20 & 21 May: INTERSOCCER: SOUTHAMPTON FC OPEN DAYInterSoccer has linked up with Southampton FC from the English Premier League for this coaching event. Fun games, skills, technics, tournaments, and matches. For age 5-13 (all abilities). Mies, Nyon, Lausanne Switzerland.

JUNE highlightsSummer music fest programs for:Montreux Jazz, Moon and Stars, and Paleo are now available.​​1 - 3 June: LAUSANNE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVALThe Lausanne Shakespeare Festival (LSF) is returning this year with a great line-up of plays and workshops, many of which are in English. LSF 2018 will combine full-length plays in the evenings with workshops, a film, street theater, and a range of experimental performances during the day. For this year’s festival, the organizers have kindly donated 2 double tickets to knowitall.ch for their participatory theater event entitled A Theatrical Mistressclass on a Midsummer Night's Dream. Organized by the Sun & Moon Company, this event with take place at 11h on Saturday 2 June, 2018, and be hosted in both English and French.At the Théâtre La Grange de Dorigny, a unique performing arts center based on the University of Lausanne campus.

5 - 9 June: Caribana! Visit their website for this year's lineup, on the beach at Crans-près-Céligny.​Thursday, 7 June: Q&A BREXIT DEBATE A spontaneous debate about Brexit between a distinguished panel of experts and an informed audience. Brexit is the biggest political decision the voters of the United Kingdom have made in a generation. A decision which has changed the landscape of Europe forever. Join the discussion from 17:30 to 21:30 at the Mandarin Oriental, Quai Turrettini 1, Geneva.

8-9 June: AIGL'IN MUSICThis music festival is a showcase for local and national artists. Come to Aigle to celebrate and enjoy exceptional concerts, all for free! Aigle

9 - 10 June: Festi MusiquesMore than 90 free concerts in the streets and squares of the town of Moudon. Many of these musical presentations are very Swiss including Alphorn, chorus, marching bands, accordionists, and more.

14 - 16 June: Festi Biere - Beer FestivalGeneva’s first open air beer festival with more than 25 brewers and over 150 different stands offering a selection of the finest artisanale beers. Two stages have been set up for live music performances throughout the afternoon and evening and food trucks will line up around the perimeter. The organizers have kindly offered knowitall.ch readers the chance to win 3 special entry packages to the event, comprising a souvenir glass and 24 tokens which equate to around 8 different beer tastings. Read our article and find out how to enter before midnight 7 June.

15 & 16 June: Blues and Jazz Fest. Rapperswil-Jona, on the lake near Zurich. Headliners: Bob Geldof and Poppy Chubby with the Honey Island Swamp Band, and many more.​15 - 17 June: Let's Face the MusicGeneva Amateur Operatic Society (GAOS) Enjoy an exciting evening of variety with song and dance numbers from great American and British shows. Whether you prefer Jersey Boys or Can-Can girls, Hearing the People Sing or simply Busting Out All Over — there’s something here for you! Dinner will be served before the show for those seated in the auditorium. Beverages, dessert and coffee are also available for purchase from the bar for all patrons. Have we got your feet tapping? Book online to avoid disappointment.Wondering how you can be a part of GAOS? The possibilities are endless. Whether you enjoy singing, dancing or acting on stage, building sets, creating effects with lights and sound, painting faces or creating costumes, or simply selling drinks at a bar, rest assured your capabilities and talents will be put to good use. Become a member.

18 June and 28 July: IRIS FESTIVALOver 30 hectares of garden and 400 varieties of iris to admire, 70 pieces of sculpture scattered throughout the property, a new series of garden walks and this year for the first time the caves of the Château will be open for visits. To encourage more visitors to come to the gardens after the early varieties of irises have finished blooming, the current owners of the Château are offering our readers the chance to win 5 double entry tickets for the Summer Floralies, opening between 18 June and 28 July. Vullierens.

21 June until 21 September - Lausanne Estivale, LausanneFor its 34th edition this year, Lausanne Estivale is again offering a program bursting with high-quality cultural activities. "A summer of culture to suit every taste" is aptly named, since no fewer than 450 events entirely free of charge and for all ages are on offer in Lausanne to all. Cinema, theater, music, festivals, dance, walks, unusual visits there will something to suit everyone! Notable new attractions for this year include collaborations with the Festival de la Cit the Thtre 2.21, the Cie dEustache and some new cultural walks. Find the week by week updated program and event venues.​21 - 23 June: Fête de la Musique - Annecy. Wonderful evening of music, all styles, throughout the town’s many neighborhoods.

22 - 24 June: Concours d'Elegance SuisseThis year the festival will be paying homage to the incredible Juke Box era with cars dating from 1945 to 1960. In a generous donation to knowitall.ch, Director and co-founder of the event, Mathias Doutreleau, has kindly offered our readers the chance to win one of five double tickets for entry to this year's show. Click here to read our article and find out how to enter before midnight 15 June.​22 - 24 June: Fête de la Musique. Various locations including Geneva, Vaud, and neighboring FranceThis worldwide music event takes place at every turn! For all ages and music types. Dance shows as well as some great bands — all free of charge. As with all festivals, food plays an important part, so make sure to look out for restaurant specials or food stands offering festive bites and drinks. See the website for where & when.

28 June - 13 July: Jazz á Vienne - In the Theatre Antique, Vienne France, near Lyon. Headliners: Kenny Neal with blues straight out of Memphis, Herbie Hancock, and Jamie Cullen - to name just a few!

29 & 30 June: Fete du Chasselas. Day-long festivities at the Chateau d’Aigle, home of Vaud wine and the wine museum, as part of the awards for the Mondial du Chasseslas wine competition – CHF20 for 200 wines, music, museum entrance. Regional foods will be on sale. From 10:00 to 18:00 in Aigle, Canton Vaud.